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March 26, 2015

How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? {Rachael Carman}

You've probably said these things to your kids, but have you listened to what you're saying? "I remember the day you were born.""Turn down the music!""This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you.""Hold my hand."Your heavenly Father wants to tell you many of these same things. Rachael Carman knows how noisy it can be when you're raising children---she has seven! But this lovely devotional book will help you to hear God's still, small voice amid the chaos of carpools, cut fingers, and carpet crawlers. You'll learn how to recognize God's instructions for you, even as you seek to follow His example as a parent.

My Thoughts:Being a parent is hard. I don't think this is news to anyone who has kids. With two little ones at my house, I feel like I'm always telling them what to do, teaching them about what they did wrong, or bugging them about something they haven't done yet. No matter how much I try, I always end up saying something that sounds just like my mother. There are days when I am pretty sure that neither of my children have ever heard a single word I've ever said.Can you imagine how God must feel? I'm worn out with two kids - he has billions. Just like we want our kids to listen to us, God wants us to listen to Him.This devotional book is the perfect companion for the mom who feels like she is never being heard. Through stories of Rachael's family and experiences, she bring everything full circle to remind us that God constantly is trying to get our attention. She forces us to take a little time-out and ask God what he wants or how he wants us to handle certain situations.I really enjoyed reading this this book. I was continually entertained by stories of the Carman family. But more importantly, I was constantly reminded that God is trying to get my attention just like I'm trying to get my kids' attention. God wants me to take a few minutes and talk with Him, just like I want my kids to take a few minutes and talk to me. God wants me to put my full trust in Him, just like I want my kids to put their full trust in me.This book has taught me that each time I put myself in the role of parent, I also should put myself in the role of a child of God. I need to slow down and spend some time with Him.

Rachael Carman is an author and speaker for Apologia Educational Ministries. The wife of Davis and the mother of seven children, Rachael challenges parents to live by reckless, obedient faith. As a direct reflection of her heart's desire to encourage, inspire, and celebrate motherhood, Rachael also leads Real Refreshment Retreats, weekend events that energize and invigorate homeschooling mothers with meaningful worship and speakers plus practical encouragement for the homeschool journey.